The Power of Forgiveness

How can I ever forgive?

Renee’s story continues: I could not imagine life without Meagan. I began to turn in the direction of forgiveness at Eric’s sentencing, seventeen months after the accident. Throughout the entire trial, Eric had shown little remorse for what he had done. This only served to fuel my anger. But I walked into his final sentencing already knowing in my heart I needed to forgive him. Then, as my entire family sat in the courtroom waiting to hear the judge’s verdict, Eric stood to share some last words.He began to weep as he said how sorry he was for what he had done. Then he turned to face my family and me. He stood there in handcuffs and a prison jumpsuit, tears streaming down his face, looking at me, and he said, “I would give my own life if it would bring back these girls, but it won’t . . . and I’m so sorry.”